Maternal and Fetal Complications in Diabetic

Pregnancy with diabetes mellitus by definition is a high-risk pregnancy. Approximately 0.3 % pregnancies occur with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (PGDM) whereas 2 – 3 % more are complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The later thus constitutes 90% of all cases of DM complicating pregnancy which is responsible for much perinatal morbidity and mortality in the mother and offspring. The incidence of DM in India is rising at alarming rate due to faulty lifestyle, obesity and genetic predisposition. Prevalence of GDM has been cited as 16.55%. Clinical recognition and good control of DM can lessen perinatal morbidities. Successful treatment also prevents or delays the development of DM both in the mother and child later on. So far, cornerstone of diabetic management had been diet, permissible exercise and insulin, if required. The use of insulin is associated with the disadvantages of injection site pain, phobia of injection and problems of administration and storage. It is in this context that the use of alternative medicines like OHAs have been explored and needs scientific analysis